South Africa A moved into a commanding position at the end of Day 2 in the first unofficial Test against India A at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, extending their lead to 105 runs after bundling the hosts out for 234 and reaching 30/0 at Stumps.
Resuming the day on 299/9, the visitors added 10 runs before being bowled out for 309, with Gurnoor Brar claiming the final wicket. India A openers Ayush Mhatre and Sai Sudharsan provided a solid start in reply, putting on a 90-run stand. Mhatre, just 18 years old, continued his impressive rise with a fluent 65, while Sudharsan took time to settle in.
However, momentum shifted after Lunch as India lost wickets in clusters. Prenelan Subrayen triggered the collapse, removing both openers and later completing a five-wicket haul — including the final wicket of Khaleel Ahmed. India fell from a strong 90/0 to 163/5, with the middle order failing to convert starts despite a brief 30-run stand between captain Rishabh Pant and Rajat Patidar.
Ayush Badoni (38) offered resistance in the final session, adding 36 runs with Anshul Kamboj, but regular breakthroughs ensured India A conceded a 75-run first-innings lead.
South Africa A openers Jordan Hermann (12*) and Lesego Senokwane (9*) then played out 12 overs without damage to widen the advantage and strengthen their control heading into Day 3.
Brief Scores:
South Africa A 309 & 30/0 (Jordan Hermann 12, Lesego Senokwane 9*) lead India A 234 (Ayush Mhatre 65, Ayush Badoni 38; Prenelan Subrayen 5-61) by 105 runs.*
